The SWAC Sailing Academy is our after-school sailing club in Southampton for children and young people aged 8 to 15, who already have some sailing experience and want to spend more time on the water.
Running every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 16:00 to 18:15, the Academy gives young sailors the opportunity to consolidate their existing skills, build confidence, have fun and continue progressing there sailling.
The club is based at Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC) and is designed as the natural next step after a beginner sailing course.
Who Can Join Our After School Sailing Club?
The SWAC Sailing Academy is open to sailors aged 8–15 who have either:
- Completed a five-day Start Sailing course with SWAC, or
- Achieved RYA Youth Sailing Stage 2 or above at any RYA recognised sailing centre or
- Similar experience to be discussed
Children should already be comfortable with the basic skills of sailing. The Academy is not intended as a first introduction to sailing, but as an opportunity for existing young sailors to spend more time afloat and develop their ability.
If you are unsure whether your child has enough experience to join, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.
What Do Children Do at SWAC Sailing Academy?
Evenings vary depending on the weather, conditions and experience of the group, but may include:
- Improving tacking and gybing
- Developing better boat control
- Sailing efficiently around a course
- Launching and recovering dinghies
- Sailing in a wider range of wind conditions
- Games and challenges on the water
- Introduction to racing skills
- Practical seamanship
- Team sailing activities
The emphasis is on learning through regular sailing. Rather than trying to learn everything in a short course, young sailors can practise skills repeatedly, become more independent and develop confidence at their own pace.
Sailing, Progression and Fun
Some sailors will be keen to consolidate thei RYA certificate so they are ready to progress, while others simply want to sail regularly, make friends and enjoy being on the water.
Our instructors will encourage each sailor to progress at an appropriate pace while keeping sessions varied and enjoyable.
Regular sailing is one of the best ways for young people to turn the skills learned on a course into genuine confidence and independence on the water.
SWAC Sailing Academy – Membership
- This is currently a summer only programme which runs April to October inclusive
- Sailors may attend as many session as they like but we expect them to average at least once per week.
- Membership is charged per term (or pro rata for those joining mid term
SWAC Sailing Academy – Key Information
Days: Tuesday and Thursday evenings
Time: 16:00–18:15
Ages: 8–15
Experience: SWAC five-day sailing course or RYA Youth Stage 2+
Venue: Southampton Water Activities Centre, Southampton
Activity: Youth dinghy sailing progression
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need previous sailing experience?
Yes. Sailors should have completed a five-day sailing course with SWAC or hold RYA Youth Sailing Stage 2 or above from another centre.
What age is the SWAC Sailing Academy for?
The Academy is open to children and young people aged 8 to 15.
When does the after-school sailing club run?
Sessions take place every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 16:00 until 18:15.
Can children work towards RYA sailing certificates?
Beyond RYA Stage 2 sailors needs time practicing sailing before progressing to the next level. This is where theAcademy comes in. While there is coaching during Academy evenings session, actuals certificate are gained over weekend courses or summer holidays courses.
Is this suitable for complete beginners?
No. Complete beginners should start with one of our five-day youth Start Sailing courses or attend the Youth Sailing Stage 1 and Stage 2 weekends or complete a term of sailing with us through their school, before joining the Sailing Academy.